First year BSc Horticulture students supported the British Hedgehog Preservation Society (BHPS) with an innovative fundraising event.
On December 2nd, Adam, William and James set up a stand selling mini Christmas trees on the centre of campus. The trees - Dwarf Alberta Spruce (Picea glauca 'Conica') - were grown and decorated with Christmas ornaments by the students. The sale raised around £200, with all proceeds donated to the society.
A WUC Hedgehog Friendly Campus Campaign organiser, Darren Veitch, said: "We'd like to thank Adam, William and James for their help and support. Writtle University College is a member of the Hedgehog Friendly Campus campaign, organised by the BHPS and the PTES. Our aim is to create litter-free campuses with joined-up habitats and opportunities for hedgehogs to eat, drink and nest. The money raised by the Christmas tree sale should help to create a safe, wildlife friendly environment."
The number of hedgehogs in the UK is in decline. The urban population is thought to have dropped by up to a third since the year 2000. The Hedgehog Friendly Campus project hopes to help universities make their campuses safe for hedgehogs with joined up habitats, hedgehog houses and safe spaces for wildlife to eat and drink.
Student organiser Adam said: "It's been great to combine skills learnt in lectures with fundraising for a project the university is involved in. We have a plant sale in the spring as Horticulture students and this experience will be valuable for us. I'm dreaming of the day we find hedgehogs here at Writtle, until then raising funds and awareness will prepare all of us to create their best possible home."